Bollywood Singers, Dhol Drumming, Great Food: Immerse Yourself in Indian Culture This Weekend

Vibrant and ornate floats, graceful dancers and the sound of frenetic drumming of the dhol are just some of the highlights at this weekend’s 19th Annual Festival of India.

Hosted by the Federation of Indian Associations, the two-day cultural celebration will be held Aug. 13 and 14 in Fremont, with the main site located in the area of 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway.  The festival aims to bring Indian Americans and the wider community together in one setting.

“Every year, the attendance has grown and has allowed our communities to get a better understanding of the culture, the arts, the music and foods of the Indian American community and allow our communities to further strengthen our bonds with each other,” a message states on the FIA website.

Festivities include a free health fair, a grand parade, a dance competition, Bollywood singers and a cultural program, along with 130 booths offering cloths, arts and crafts and flavorful food. 

The Indian extravaganza also includes an awards gala and will be followed by a banquest in San Jose featuring special guests, including Bollywood starlet Mallika Sherawat.

On Saturday, visitors can expect:

• a free health fair from 10 a.m. to noon
• a cultural program from 10 a.m. to to 1 p.m.
• a dance competition from 1 to 4 p.m.
• Bollywood singers from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Sunday’s program includes:

• a cultural program from 10 to 11 a.m.
• a grand parade from noon to 12 p.m. (see the parade route here)
• an awards celebration featuring dignitaries and special guests from 2 to 3 p.m.
• singing competition finals form 3 to 6:30 p.m.

The banquet follows at 8 p.m. at the San Jose Airport Garden Hotel.

Tickets can be purchased for $5 (for each day) at the door, or online here. See highlights from last year’s festival on FIA’s Facebook page here.

Click here to find out how you can win free tickets via Park Lane West.